Peasants Fighting over a Game of Cards 1600 - 1675

Lucas Vorsterman I's "Peasants Fighting over a Game of Cards" is an etching that depicts a chaotic scene of a brawl between villagers. The work, dated between 1600 and 1675, showcases the artist's mastery of detail in capturing the intensity and emotion of the fight. The print, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the lives and struggles of common people in 17th-century Europe. The scene’s composition, focused on the struggling figures, contrasts with the background’s peaceful village setting, highlighting the contrast between the tranquil countryside and the human drama unfolding. The scattered playing cards in the foreground further emphasize the cause of the fight, bringing the scene to life with a touch of humor.